California Community Association Laws
Davis–Stirling (Civ. Code §§4000–6150), Commercial/Industrial CIDs (Civ. Code §§6500–6876), Mobilehome Residency Law (Civ. Code §798 et seq.), Nonprofit Mutual Benefit Corporations (Corp. Code §§7110–8910). Reference hub
California takes an owner-rights, process-heavy approach. The Davis–Stirling Act standardizes elections, meetings, records, budgets, and dispute steps across nearly all residential common-interest developments, while leaving day-to-day enforcement to the courts rather than a state HOA regulator. Mobilehome parks are a big exception—strong, detailed protections live in the Mobilehome Residency Law with direct assistance through HCD programs. Expect predictable procedures, frequent annual disclosures, robust election rules, and steadily evolving tweaks from the Legislature—more paperwork, but clearer guardrails for boards and owners.
At a glance
- Residential CIDs (HOAs/Condos/Co-ops): Davis–Stirling governs meetings, elections, records, assessments, reserves, and ADR.
- Mobilehome Parks: Mobilehome Residency Law (rent, rules, termination); assistance via HCD’s Mobilehome programs.
- Corporate form: Most associations are Nonprofit Mutual Benefit Corporations.
- Commercial/Industrial CIDs: Separate act (Civ. Code §§6500–6876) with lighter requirements.
- Regulators: No statewide HOA ombudsman; limited roles for DRE (subdivisions) and Civil Rights Dept..
Primary Statutes
Davis–Stirling Common Interest Development Act
Uniform rules for most California HOAs/condos/co-ops: governance, meetings/elections, records, finances/reserves, assessments, dispute resolution.
Commercial & Industrial CIDs — Part 5.3
Non-residential CIDs have their own act with fewer owner-protection mandates.
Mobilehome Residency Law (MRL)
Rental agreements, rules/consultation, rent changes, terminations/evictions, trees/driveways; court-enforced with HCD assistance programs.
Corporate Acts — Nonprofit Mutual Benefit (Corp. Code)
Formation, meetings & member rights, records inspection, director duties.
FindLaw — Corporations Code ·
Key parts: §7510 meetings ·
§7231 director duties ·
§8333 records
Popular Sections (direct links)
Davis–Stirling — Governance & Meetings
Davis–Stirling — Elections
Davis–Stirling — Records & Disclosures
Davis–Stirling — Assessments & Collections
Davis–Stirling — Disputes
Admin Rules & Guidance
California has no HOA-specific statewide regulations like Florida’s FAC. Operations are statute-driven (Davis–Stirling). Mobilehome parks do have state regs.
Residential CIDs (HOAs/Condos/Co-ops)
- No dedicated CCR title — use Davis–Stirling sections above.
- Developers: DRE guidance: Operating Cost Manual for HOAs — PDF
Mobilehome Parks
Commercial/Industrial CIDs
Common Interest Development (CID) Managers
California status
- No state “CAM license.” Managers may hold voluntary certifications; “CID Manager” is defined in the Business & Professions Code.
- Associations often engage certified managers (e.g., CACM, CMCA), but certification is not a state license.
Related references
- California Department of Real Estate (DRE) — subdivision public reports & developer guidance (not HOA enforcement).
- DRE — Subdivision Public Reports Lookup
- Who regulates HOAs (overview)
Governing Documents & Overlays
- Governing documents: Articles, recorded map/plat, CC&Rs/Declaration, Bylaws, Board Rules/Resolutions.
- Federal overlays: Fair Housing Act; ADA (where applicable); FCC OTARD; FDCPA (collections).
- State/local overlays: Building/housing codes; local ordinances; MRL (mobilehome parks); business licensing/permits.
- Conflicts: Statutes generally control over conflicting documents; consult California counsel for interpretation.
State Agencies & Help
DRE — Department of Real Estate (Subdivisions)
- Role: Regulates developers & subdivision public reports (pre-sale phase), not day-to-day HOA enforcement.
- Operating Cost Manual for HOAs — PDF
- Subdivision Public Reports — search
California Civil Rights Department (CRD)
- Scope: Fair housing & discrimination complaints involving HOAs/condos/parks.
- Fair Housing (overview) · How to file
- Contact: 800-884-1684 · contact.center@calcivilrights.ca.gov
HCD — Manufactured & Mobilehomes (MRL)
- Mobilehome Assistance Center · 800-952-8356 · MHAssistance@hcd.ca.gov
- MRL Protection Program (MRLPP) — complaint intake & legal aid referrals.
- Mobilehome Residency Law — PDF
Courts / ADR
- Most HOA disputes are resolved via IDR/ADR then civil courts (see §§5900, 5930).
Disclaimer
This page is a general reference and not legal advice. Laws and rules change; always verify the current text on the official linked sites and consult qualified California counsel for your situation.
Last updated: September 8, 2025